The Hidden Dangers in Women's Makeup

The Makeup Wake-up Call-
The Hidden Dangers of Women's Makeup

Most women today probably don’t put much thought into the makeup they are putting on their skin. They most likely have no clue that they are putting over 175 different chemicals on their face, neck, eyes and lips on a daily basis. Chemicals which have been discovered to pose major health and skin risks; these risks include skin allergies, hormonal conditions and even cancer. The most horrifying thing is that there are absolutely no laws in effect today to force cosmetic companies to become accountable and to list the dangers of these chemicals on their labels.

This lengthy list of chemicals includes talc, which is found in most face makeup, eye shadows and even baby powder. This chemical is a carcinogen, meaning cancer causing, and extremely close in chemical compound to asbestos. A study was performed in 1993 by the US National Toxicology Program on cosmetic grade talc, and it was found that even though the powder did not contain the asbestos-like fibers, it did cause cancerous tumors in animals. Numerous studies have also shown a strong link between regular use of talc in the female genital area and ovarian cancer. What's more, because the talc particles are so tiny, they may enter the lungs freely and set up an inflammatory reaction. This reaction may cause frightening health problems, such as pneumonia, lung disease and lung cancer. Yet another chemical found in over 13,000 cosmetics, is Methyl and Propyl and Butyl and Ethyl Paraben. Commonly found in mascara, they are used as an antimicrobial tool and to extend the shelf life of the product. A study performed by Philippa Darbre, an oncology expert at the University of Reading, showed that a chemical form of these parabens were found in 18 of 20 skin tumors tested; indicating they originated by something applied to the skin, such as deodorants, face creams, or body sprays. The existence of in-tact parabens in tumor tissue shows that these chemicals can not only be absorbed through the skin, but can also possibly accrue in human tissue, in their unique form.

There are too many harsh chemicals in cosmetics now-a-days to describe in full detail, but the list continues with silica, which is not harmful by itself, but is often contaminated with crystalline silica which causes cancer, diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA), Polysorbate 60 or 80, polyoxyethylene, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, PEG, anything ending in "-eth," such as sodium laureth sulfate, Propylene glycol and sodium lauryl sulfate, which is thought to be a carcinogen and is known to be an irritant with extended exposure. There are artificial colors to watch out for, such as D&C and FD&C, which are derived from coal tar, a known cancer causing agent. There are also preservatives, such as formaldehyde, which is a carcinogen, a neurotoxin and irritant. Since the FDA has no regulations or guidelines on the distribution and packaging warnings on modern cosmetics, it is up to you, the consumer, to make an educated decision. There are many more in-depth articles and books written to uncover and list the ingredients found in makeup, as well as “safe”, organic alternatives to makeup that you can find by doing a light web search. I challenge everyone reading this article to stand up and become AWARE about what we are allowing companies to sell to us and what chemicals and preservatives we are allowing to invade our bodies. You are only given one body to work with while you are on this wondrous planet; we need to start acting like it and taking care of ourselves to ensure a future of health, well-being and happiness.

Have a safe and healthy weekend!